Red Kettle Campaign falls short

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By Andy Barrand

Hillsdale.net - Hillsdale, MI

By Andy Barrand

Posted Jan. 3, 2013 at 9:36 AM

By Andy Barrand

Posted Jan. 3, 2013 at 9:36 AM

Hillsdale, Mich.

andy.barrand@hillsdale.net

HILLSDALE — The new year brought to a close the Hillsdale County Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign, which fell short of its goal for the 2012 holiday season. This year’s campaign goal was $170,000 to be used to fund programs through 2013 including the free lunch program. The program is offered Tuesday through Friday weekly and every Sunday. As of Monday this year’s campaign had raised $116,280.94 — 68 percent of the goal. Lt. Chris Clarke said although donations tend to fall off after the first of the year he is hoping for a late push to collect the needed $53,719.06 needed to meet the goal. Bell ringers ended the campaign Sunday, collecting $60,121.50. Over the next couple of weeks donations to the campaign can be made at counter top donation kettles and by mail. There are 60 counter top donation kettles around Hillsdale County. Counter top donations so far total $2,630.70. Clarke said the shortfall will definitely affect programming. He said those cuts could come to the lunch program or the amount of money the organization has to help with utility and rental assistance. “This is something our board will have to come together and figure out,” Clarke said. He is hoping donations can come in though to meet the need in the county. Last year the organization exceeded its goal of $160,000, collecting $163,543.77. Clarke said the board set the goal higher this year because the amount of people looking for assistance has gone up over the past year. He also looked to higher food prices as a reason for the larger goal. Clarke can’t pinpoint exactly why funds fell short this year. He said volunteer bell ringers were down this year. “We also had several larger donations last year,” he said. Donations can still be made by sending a check to 160 East Bacon St., Hillsdale, MI, 49242.